Promoting your brand through your company’s packaging is just as important as the products that are being packaged.

Yet, decisions can become difficult once you’ve narrowed down your options and need to choose between two similar box styles.

The tuck end box is one of the most common packaging options, but this box style comes with its own options to choose from.

You will need to decide whether a straight tuck end or reverse tuck end box is the right choice for you.

But don’t worry, this blog shares with you the differences between each and will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tuck end box so you can choose the right one for your packaging needs.

Straight Tuck vs Reverse Tuck End Boxes

Straight tuck end and reverse tuck end boxes are extremely similar and are both great for delivering your message effectively and packaging a variety of products, gifts, and promotional items.

However, they have one very big difference that gives them both different advantages and disadvantages.

The Straight Tuck End Box

Custom straight tuck end boxes are the most common box style used by retail companies and are suited for any type of industry.

This type of tuck end box is created with a front and back, 2 sides, and 2 openings. Both openings have 2 flaps attached to the sides of the box which fold inward and then a larger flap attached to the front of the box which folds over the side flaps and tucks into the back side of the box.

Advantages of Straight Tuck End Boxes:

• They are easy to assemble.
• They are more appealing to the eye when displayed on retail or point of purchase displays.
• They stack well and can be displayed on any flat surface.
• They are perfect for any lightweight product, gift, or promotional item.
• When customized with your company’s branding, they build brand awareness.
• They add value to the items packaged inside.
• They can be opened at either end of the box.
• They can be customized to fit any need including adding a hanging tab, dispenser cut out, or window cut out.

Disadvantages of Straight Tuck End Boxes:

• Not ideal for packaging heavy items without the use of sealing tape.
• They use more material due to the way they are placed when printed on sheets.

The Reverse Tuck End Box

Custom reverse tuck end boxes are created in almost the exact same way as a straight tuck end box. However, the openings open and close in opposite directions.

This means that the top opening flap is attached to the front of the box and tucks into the back side of the box while the bottom opening flap is attached to the back of the box and tucks into the front side.

Advantages of Reverse Tuck End Boxes:

• They are easy to assemble.
• They can be customized to meet any packaging goal.
• They stack well and lay flat.
• They are perfect for lightweight items.
• They are a great option for online retail stores or wholesale companies.
• They open on both ends of the box.
• They use less material than straight tuck end boxes.

Disadvantages of Reverse Tuck End Boxes:

• They aren’t great for boxing up heavy items without the use of sealing tape.
• They are not ideal for use on retail shelves as their reversed opening interferes with the front design of the box.

Which Type of Tuck End Box Should I Choose?

Tuck end boxes, in general, are used by a variety of industries and there are many different ways to use a tuck end box.

Depending on your packaging goals, however, a reverse tuck end box might be more suitable than a straight tuck end box and vice versa.

Here are a few times when you should choose one type of tuck end box over the other:

When to Choose a Straight Tuck End Box:

• If you’re looking to display packaged products on a retail shelf or point of purchase display.
• When you’re looking to package your promotional items with a branded box.
• If you want to send samples of your product to customers and hot prospects.
• When you want to include a dispenser cut out for packaging individually packaged items.

When to Choose a Reverse Tuck End Box:

• When you’re looking to save a few cents as reverse tuck end boxes have less paper waste.
• When you need a customized box for packaging gifts for clients.
• If you want to send samples of your product to customers and hot prospects.
• If you’re not looking to display your items for point of purchase marketing.

Conclusion:

Essentially, there are three main differences between the straight tuck end box and the reverse tuck end box. First is the direction their openings open and close in. The second and third are their advantages and disadvantages, all of which will help you decide which type of tuck end box you should choose.

If you’re in the retail business or are looking to promote your brand as effectively as possible, we recommend going with the straight tuck end box for a cleaner look and to add more value to the items inside.

If your tuck end box design isn’t meant to be used for point of purchase marketing or are perhaps being used to package gifts using an unbranded design, reverse tuck end boxes are an ideal option as well.

When you’re ready to order your straight tuck end or reverse tuck end boxes, click the button below and tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get a quote ready for you. At Conquest Graphics, we’ve got everything you need to create the perfect custom tuck end box to meet your goals and budget!